If you are having headaches, trouble hearing in one ear, or feeling unsteady during walks through Ruocco Park, make an appointment with your medical provider. While there are numerous conditions that could be causing these symptoms, one rare possibility is that you have an acoustic neuroma.
These are benign tumors that develop on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which runs from the ear to the brain and is responsible for hearing and balance.
Who Is at Risk?
Acoustic neuromas are estimated to affect about 1 in 100,000 people in the general population. These tumors also referred to as vestibular schwannomas, usually occur spontaneously in otherwise healthy people.
They seem to affect women more often than men, and most cases develop in individuals between the ages of 30 and 60. However, in rare cases, they can develop in children.
The only known risk factor is an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), associated with a malfunctioning gene on chromosome 22. This genetic disorder often causes benign tumors to develop on the balance nerves on both sides of the head.
How Do Acoustic Neuromas Affect Hearing?
Because these tumors develop slowly, symptoms don’t always appear right away. One of the most common symptoms is unilateral, or one-sided hearing loss. While this is usually gradual and progressive, it can sometimes come on suddenly and fluctuate in severity.
One-sided hearing loss can be disorienting. Humans are used to hearing in stereo, so if one ear is affected, it can distort your perception of sound.
Additionally, acoustic neuromas have the ability to cause tinnitus or a ringing in the ears.
Other Symptoms
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Difficulty swallowing
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Facial numbness and weakness
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your medical professional suspects acoustic neuromas they will refer you to an otolaryngologist. They will go over your symptoms and order hearing tests and imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to get an accurate diagnosis.
Depending on the size of the tumor and the severity of your symptoms several treatment options might be recommended.
- Wait and see. If you are experiencing little to no symptoms your doctor might recommend observation which involves regular tests every six months to a year to see if the tumor has grown.
- Radiosurgery. A method that delivers radiation without the need for an incision. This can be the preferred choice if the tumor is in a risky spot to operate on.
- Microsurgery. This involves either full or partial removal of the tumor and is often done when it is causing health problems or growing close to the brain or facial nerve.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call San Diego ENT today.